Abstract [en]

Introduction: With the new Patient care laws' entry the care is in need of creating the conditions for their relatives ' involvement in patient care. In support of this, this study was carried out in order to take advantage of their relatives ' experiences of participation on a geriatric ward. This is a part in the quality of operations and as a basis for work of improvement.

Aim: The study of related party experiences of participation at a geriatric Department. Method: Qualitative research method with inductive approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine related to patients, who have been admitted on a geriatric ward. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings: The analysis of the collected data appeared three categories; experiences of involvement in a safe environment, experiences of communication and medical contact and related resource in health care, which finally resulted in a theme: the interaction of care sets the stage but also constitute barriers to the participation of close relatives. The main findings were that related experience participation when they are given the opportunity to take part of the information while getting a hearing for questions and comments. Related felt secure with care when they felt that the patient was seen and well looked after. Not to be seen or where the interaction with the professional team burst was obstacles to perceived involvement. Related would be involved and care must take advantage of their relatives ' knowledge of the patient as well as their desire for participation.

Conclusion: Related parties are involved in the patient's care. They have broad knowledge of the patient and should be leveraged as a resource in health care. The interpersonal process requires an interaction in which the professional team with the patient and next of kin are working together in order to achieve good results for the patient's benefit. To communicate and maintain a continuous dialogue with related parties are important aspects and that the related individual is seen and verified, a requirement for the related to experience participation. The results of the study supports earlier research of related parties ' experiences of participation, however, was the focus of this study a specific geriatric ward. More research on the subject with a focus on their relatives ' experiences are needed.